WHY NEWS AND VIEWS

Merrilee Millstein

It is with deep sadness that WHY announces the passing of our very dear friend, Merrilee Millstein, after an incredibly brave battle with cancer. We will miss Merrilee's energy, enthusiasm, kindness and generous spirit.

Memorial arrangements can be found on the Hartford Courant website. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy go out to Merrilee's family. View a video clip of Merrilee and her niece Riley.

Godspeed, Merrilee ...

Dear Barbara,

I am writing to let you know how much Yoga, and more specifically, West Hartford Yoga, helped me through the most difficult year of my life. In August 2005, I was diagnosed with cancer of the bile duct and had extensive surgery. Chemotherapy and radiation followed, with the common side effects of fatigue and nausea plus complications too numerous to think about.

Through out the year, West Hartford Yoga was my refuge. The entire staff was supportive and made me feel as if I had a cheering squad with me. The classes helped me relax and maintain my flexibility. My instructors, Shankara Newton and Kate Callahan, helped me tune into my body and understand what I needed. The meditative quality of the classes kept me focused and positive in my outlook.

Yoga was my salvation during the last year. I believe that Yoga gave me the tools I needed to heal my body, my heart and my soul. I learned to breath into the parts of my body that needed to be healed and I used the techniques in class and in my life. In fact, the breathing, the postures, the strengthening of my core have become a part of my life now; A part that will stay with me forever.

One of my goals is to become a certified yoga instructor so that I bring the benefits of yoga to other cancer patients going through treatment. Chemotherapy and radiation are much better tolerated when the patient integrates some physical and mental activity into his or her life. I look forward to being able to help others learn to breathe, listen to their body, stretch, and relax.

I will forever be grateful for West Hartford Yoga and the role it played in my healing. I continue to attend as many classes as I can and look forward to participating in workshops and teacher training when and if it begins.

Thank you and the wonderful caring staff and instructors for your support.

Merrilee Milstein